Bass Reeves: Music Events A Part Of Unveiling

Live music will play a key role in upcoming Bass Reeves celebrations and events in Fort Smith, said one participant.

Blue Fiddle member Joe Hamilton said his trio and numerous other local and regional musicians and singers will display their love for music and history at events surrounding the Saturday unveiling of the new Bass Reeves equestrian monument. Blue Fiddle will perform during the “Meet the Artist & Welcome Party” for equestrian artist Harold T. Holden, which will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at the Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Ave.

“We are honored to be part of this important cultural and historic event,” Hamilton said of Blue Fiddle, which also includes John Lindquist and Tom Ware. “Blue Fiddle is an acoustic group that draws on music and song traditions from the very roots of American folk music.”

Like some of the other performers, Blue Fiddle will play songs dating to the pioneer era, as well as original compositions.

“The idea is to have a variety of performers and styles of music for this celebration,” said Tonya Nkokheli, vice chairwoman for the Bass Reeves Legacy Initiative.

Lindquist also will play for the celebration’s Red Carpet, Cocktail Party and Dinner beginning at 6 p.m. Friday at MovieLounge, 7601 Rogers Ave., while DJ Sound Scientist will provide music fro the After Dinner Movie & Dance at 9 p.m., also at MovieLounge.

Ware will join Grant Pierson for a duo as one of the featured acts for the Bass Reeves Music Festival, which takes place from 12:30-7 p.m. Saturday at the Ross Pendergraft Pavilion Stage, 200 Garrison Ave. Other BRMF performers will include Heath Wright, Bobby Lopez, Tiffany Christopher and Carter Sampson.

“We’re excited about having music play a big part of these celebrations,” Nkokheli said.

Numerous band directors, band students and other musicians will merge as the Fort Smith Community Band for a concert at 10 a.m. Saturday at Pendergraft Park, and singer-songwriter Herschel Parker will bring his guitar and songs for historic-ballad fans at noon Saturday at the Clayton House, 514 N. Sixth St.

“The music needs to be eclectic — that is what we decided when we were planning these events,” Nkokheli said. “The music needs to be for everyone, just like all of the activities we’re having.”